DIETS DON'T START ON MONDAY
LMKWYT MIA RIDGEN
In a world that’s constantly buzzing with the latest diet trends and health fads, Mia Ridgen stands as a beacon of light. There is something about the way she talks about nutrition that just reads relatable, clear, and dare I say almost soothing ?
A board-certified nutritionist, author, chef and mom of 2 - she has a unique take on nutrition that is not only tasty but also practical ( which anyone with limited time will appreciate! )
Stay tuned to learn about why you shouldn’t be eating things you don’t like, how to raise healthy eaters, easy-to-make recipes, and more!
In your book “Foodwise” you talk about “The reset”- could you explain what it is and how it works?
MR: The Reset is a twenty-one-day whole foods plan that will help you find the most supportive foods and routines for your body and learn how to integrate them into your everyday life. We remove foods that most commonly cause reactions (like gluten, dairy, alcohol, and added sugar) so you can gain a deeper understanding of how they affect your body, while discovering healthy new foods and routines that you enjoy and are supportive of your body.
After completing The Reset, you’ll have a clean slate onto which you can carefully and intentionally reintroduce foods and monitor how they make you feel. You may find that foods you used to eat regularly taste really sweet or make you feel off. For example, when you reintroduce gluten, do you feel bloated, tired, or anxious? Maybe you will, and maybe you won’t! The most exciting part of The Reset is not what you accomplish in the twenty-one days, but how it helps shape your food and lifestyle preferences moving forward
What are 3 ways to heal our relationship with food?
MR:
Focus on prioritizing the good stuff (like quality proteins, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fruit) over restricting foods you feel like you shouldn’t be eating.
Nutrition is about health, not weight. Think about how foods make you feel, not how they make you look.
If it doesn’t taste good, it’s not good for you. You have to find the foods that suit your nutritional needs and are exciting to eat.
Do you have any secrets to curve cravings and stay on track?
MR: Eat 100+ grams of protein a day! It’s a game-changer.
How do we raise healthy eaters?
MR: The best thing you can do for your children is to model healthy eating behaviors. If you don’t eat vegetables, they won’t either. I think family dinners are important. If you can, try to eat together most nights of the week (and eat roughly the same thing).
Do you have any strategies for picky eaters?
MR: It’s normal for kids to be picky. Honor their food preferences while encouraging them to try new things. Here are a few tips I shared on Instagram.
Share with us your top 5 healthy snacks for kids
MR:
Fruits and vegetables
Do you have any tips on how to stay healthy with an über busy schedule?
MR: Make sure to have a high-protein breakfast, make room in your schedule for lunch, and always pack a snack that has at least 10 grams of protein if you’re on the go.
Could you share 3 easy, healthy AND yummy recipes to cook at home last minute?
MR: I love this high protein veggie stir fry, a sheet pan chicken, or breakfast for dinner (like scrambled eggs or a frittata). Subscribe to my Substack for a weekly meal prep email with five easy dinner recipes and three lunch ideas each week!